Mercedes Releases Footage of Doriane Pin's Historic F1 Test

Mercedes has released footage of reigning F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin driving its 2021 W12 car at Silverstone, marking her debut in Formula 1 machinery and making her the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car. The French driver, who has been supported by Mercedes since 2024 and became an official development driver earlier this year, completed the test as part of her ongoing development program following simulator work.

Why it matters:

This test represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to increase gender diversity at the highest level of motorsport. For Mercedes, it underscores a tangible commitment to developing female talent through its junior program. For Pin, it is a crucial step on the potential path to becoming the first woman to race in F1 since 2015, providing invaluable real-world experience in a contemporary F1 car.

The Details:

• Historic Moment: The test at Silverstone on April 18, 2026, was conducted under the 'Testing of Previous Cars' (TPC) regulations, allowing teams to run older machinery for development purposes.
• Pin's Background: Doriane Pin is the reigning F1 Academy champion and has been backed by Mercedes for her two seasons in the all-female series. Her promotion to an official development role earlier this year included extensive simulator work at the team's Brackley headquarters.
• The Car: She drove the championship-winning W12 from the 2021 season, the car that took Lewis Hamilton to the brink of an eighth world title.
• Development Path: Mercedes framed the track test as the logical next step in her development after showing strong progress in the simulator, evaluating her performance and adaptation to the physical and mental demands of a current-spec F1 car.

What's Next:

The test is a critical evaluation point for both Pin and Mercedes. Her performance and feedback will likely determine the next phases of her development plan within the team's structure.

• Success here could lead to more extensive testing opportunities, potentially in a newer car, and strengthen her case for a future Formula 2 seat, which is widely considered the essential final step before an F1 race seat.
• While a direct path to an F1 race drive remains long and highly competitive, this test solidifies Pin's position as one of the most credible and supported female prospects in the modern era, with the full backing of a top team.